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A quarter of teenagers in Britain have turned to it AI chatbot for mental health support Last year a new research revealed this.
A study of 11,000 children aged 13 to 16 in England and Wales found that more than half teenagers Have used some forms online mental health support In the last year, 25 percent was used AI Chatbot.
Research conducted by the charity Youth Endowment Fund (YEF) also found that young people affected by serious violence were even more likely to seek help online.
About 38 percent of child victims of serious violence said they have turned to an AI chatbot for support, while 44 percent of perpetrators of serious violence said they have done the same.
YEF said AI chatbots could appeal to struggling youth who find it safer and easier to talk to an AI chatbot anonymously at any time of the day rather than speaking to a professional.
Ajada, a YEF youth advisory board member, said: “AI really scares me. If you’re really struggling and thinking about doing something harmful to yourself, you can ask the AI for support. It will give you information, but what you do with it is up to you.
“So, we lose that emotional, personal experience that comes with positive human interactions.”
Charity leaders also warned that this could be due to a lack of support available for teenagers’ mental health, insisting: “They need a human being, not a bot.”
“Many young people are struggling with their mental health and aren’t getting the support they need. It’s no surprise that some are turning to technology for help.” said John Yates, CEO of the Youth Endowment Fund.
“We have to do better for our children, especially those who are most at risk. They need a human being, not a robot.”
She added: “For people affected by violence, the understanding and empathy of a trusted adult can make a huge difference – someone who listens to them, reassures them and helps them see that they don’t have to face their problems alone.”
The research also found that more than one in four of all adolescents reported high or very high levels of symptoms associated with mental health difficulties.
A quarter of teens surveyed have received a formal diagnosis of a mental health or neurodevelopmental condition, while another 21 percent believe they may have the condition but have not been formally diagnosed.
Worryingly, 14 per cent said they had harmed themselves in the last year and 12 per cent had thought about ending their life.
Earlier this year, the NHS urged young people to do Stop using AI chatbots as an alternative to Treatmentwarning that they may provide “Harmful and dangerous” mental health advice,
NHS leaders have said the rise in so-called “AI therapy” is a worrying trend, especially among teenagers and young adults, with experts warning that these tools are not equipped to handle serious mental health conditions and could worsen symptoms.
“We are hearing some worrying reports of AI chatbots giving potentially harmful and dangerous advice to people seeking mental health treatment, particularly teenagers and young adults,” said Claire Murdoch, national mental health director for NHS England. many times on September.
He said AI platforms “should not be relied upon” for good mental health advice and “should never replace trusted sources” for information from registered practitioners.
If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans in confidence on 116 123 (UK & ROI), email. jo@samaritans.orgor visit Samaria website to get details of your nearest branch. If you live in the United States, and you or someone you know needs mental health support right now, call or text 988, or go to 988lifeline.org To access online chat from 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to anyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are in another country, you can go here www.befrienders.org To find a helpline near you